The Bearing Plate Test Apparatus is designed to determine the bearing capacity of soils and evaluate settlement behavior under static loading conditions. It is widely used for field testing of road subgrades, building foundations, airport pavements, and highway construction projects.

Controlled loads are applied through rigid steel bearing plates while settlement is accurately measured using precision dial gauges. The BESMAK Bearing Plate Test Apparatus delivers reliable field performance and is available in multiple load capacities to meet a wide range of geotechnical and civil engineering applications.

Key Features

• Designed for plate load testing
• Determines soil bearing capacity
• Suitable for foundation testing
• Ideal for pavement evaluation
• Heavy-duty steel loading beam
• Hydraulic loading system
• Precision settlement measurement
• High-strength hydraulic lifting jack
• Multiple steel bearing plate sizes
• Rugged construction for field applications
• Reliable and repeatable test results
• Easy transportation and installation

Standards

• ASTM D1194
• ASTM D1195
• ASTM D1196
• BS 1377-9

Technical Specifications

Included Components

The Bearing Plate Test Apparatus is supplied complete with:

• Fixing Bar
• Hydraulic Lifting Jack (100 kN or 300 kN)
• Hand Pump
• Pressure Gauge (Maximum 280 bar)
• Three Dial Gauges (50 mm × 0.01 mm)
• Dial Gauge Holders
• Steel Bearing Plates:
  • Ø150 mm
  • Ø253 mm
  • Ø305 mm
  • Ø455 mm

Available Models

Plate Load Test Method

The Bearing Plate Test Apparatus applies controlled static loads to a rigid steel bearing plate positioned on the soil surface while continuously monitoring settlement using precision dial gauges. The relationship between the applied load and the measured deformation is used to determine the soil’s bearing capacity, deformation modulus, and load-settlement characteristics, providing essential data for foundation and pavement design.

Durable Field Construction

The BESMAK Bearing Plate Test Apparatus is engineered for demanding field environments and long-term reliability. Its heavy-duty loading beam, robust hydraulic system, and precision measuring accessories ensure stable operation, accurate measurements, and dependable performance under challenging construction site conditions.

Applications

The Bearing Plate Test Apparatus is ideal for:

• Plate load testing
• Soil bearing capacity evaluation
• Foundation design and assessment
• Road subgrade testing
• Highway engineering projects
• Airport pavement testing
• Civil engineering projects
• Geotechnical investigations
• Construction materials testing laboratories
• Research and development laboratories

Why Choose the BESMAK Bearing Plate Test Apparatus?

The BESMAK Bearing Plate Test Apparatus provides accurate and reliable field evaluation of soil bearing capacity through a precision hydraulic loading system and high-resolution settlement measurement. Available in multiple load capacities and manufactured to comply with international testing standards, it is an ideal solution for geotechnical investigations, foundation engineering, pavement design, and civil engineering projects requiring dependable field testing equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bearing Plate Test Apparatus?

A Bearing Plate Test Apparatus is field testing equipment used to determine the bearing capacity and settlement characteristics of soil by applying controlled static loads through a steel bearing plate.

What is the Plate Load Test used for?

The Plate Load Test is used to evaluate the bearing capacity, settlement behavior, and deformation characteristics of soils for the design and verification of foundations, pavements, road subgrades, and other civil engineering structures.

Which standards does the Bearing Plate Test Apparatus comply with?

The apparatus complies with the following international standards:

• ASTM D1194
• ASTM D1195
• ASTM D1196
• BS 1377-9

Which bearing plate sizes are included?

The standard test set includes steel bearing plates with the following diameters:

• 150 mm
• 253 mm
• 305 mm
• 455 mm

Which hydraulic capacities are available?

The apparatus can be supplied with 100 kN or 300 kN hydraulic lifting jacks, while complete Plate Loading Test Sets are available with capacities ranging from 10 kN up to 500 kN, depending on the selected model.

Where is the Bearing Plate Test Apparatus commonly used?

The Bearing Plate Test Apparatus is widely used for highway construction projects, airport pavement evaluation, foundation engineering, geotechnical site investigations, civil engineering projects, universities, and construction materials testing laboratories where accurate field determination of soil bearing capacity is required.